Schnecksville Grange recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with public officials, members, and honored guests contributing to remembrances of past achievements, recognition of present projects and taking a look toward the future.

State Grange President Beth Downing presented membership awards and pins and gave an inspirational speech on the future of the grange during the special program in November 2016.

Membership awards began at five years and went through 70 years.

State Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, read proclamations from state Sen. Patrick Browne, R-16th; Congressman Charlie Dent, R-15th; and from himself.

The 2015 state talent winner Mike Adams of Hamburg Grange, Berks County, provided entertainment.

Grange Master Richard Stewart presided over the program, and Chaplain Leon Grim offered the prayer.

The celebration opened with the hymn “Count Your Blessings” and closed with participants singing “Abide With Me.”

Afterward, everyone celebrated with refreshments and a 100th anniversary cake.

Memorabilia was displayed, including the original secretary’s minute book from 1916.

Organized by 27 charter members in May 1916, the grange met in various locations during its early years.

When a new fire hall opened in 1925 along Main Street, now Route 309, Schnecksville, grange meetings took place in that building.

In 1952, the organization completed its own building which is still used today.

Grange property along Route 873 includes a wooded area once used for picnics, egg hunts and other community events.

Organizations such as the Farm Bureau, Potato Growers and Pesticide Group, all of Lehigh County; and the 4-H Livestock Club meet in the grange hall.

Since 1929, the Schnecksville Grange has exhibited in the Allentown Fair and has won numerous first-place prizes.

Ribbons from those awards are on display in the hall.

The grange also provides an entry in the Schnecksville Community Fair.

The organization supports local groups such as the Upper Lehigh Historical Society, Northern Lehigh Food Bank and the Parkland High School Art Achievement Award.

The grange contributes to charities, including the Salvation Army, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Heifer International and more.

Grange Hall is a polling site for North Whitehall township voters.

Fundraisers include a flea market and bake sale in spring and fall, Election Day bake sales, and the food stand at the Tom Hall Auction Center, Schnecksville.

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Editor’s note: Grange member Patricia Stewart supplied information to The Press for this story.